Wasps recruit Thompson

WASPS have bolstered their squad for next season by signing experienced England and Lions forward Steve Thompson on a three-year contract.

Thompson, 32, only joined Leeds Carnegie last summer from French side Brive but has agreed to move on again with the Yorkshiremen looking doomed to relegation.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to go and play with Wasps for the next few seasons,” said the 2003 World Cup-winning hooker. “I’ve been really impressed with some of their young players and I’m looking forward to being part of a team that is aiming to get back to the top of their game.”

Wasps have struggled themselves this term, sitting eighth in the Premiership, and chief executive Chris Thomas said: “Steve is exactly the type of front-row forward we have been looking for.”